ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and UK discussed counter-terrorism, regional security and issues of mutual interest including Afghanistan, during the third round of National Security Dialogue (NSD) between the two countries.

The first and second rounds were held in Islamabad in March 2011 and November 2011, respectively.

Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar led the Pakistan delegation and National Security Advisor, Sir Kim Darroch, led the UK side.

The National Security Dialogue is part of the Pakistan-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD), which was formally launched during Prime Minister David Cameron’s visit to Pakistan on April 5, 2011.

Earlier, when former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani went to Britain on a five-day state visit, his British counterpart had categorically stated that the UK will be an “enduring friend” to the government and the people of Pakistan and vowed to build a “deeper and stronger relationship”.

They had also discussed the shared national security challenges and the cooperation in counter-terrorism.